Cub Harry’s Unprecedented Achievement

Bolton School Junior Boys’ School hosted a special Cub Scout assembly for both boys and girls to celebrate the very unusual record of a Cub, Harry Mathieson, receiving his 40th and 41st Cub activity badges. This unusual feat means Harry, aged 10, has collected all of the 36 activity badges plus a few more as he started collecting badges before the new selection of 36 badges was introduced. He also proudly wears 7 Challenge badges on his chest.

The event was attended by Harry’s Pack, comprising of both Junior Boys and Junior Girls, of the 19th Bolton (Bolton School) Scout Group, Beavers, Junior School boys and their parents. Headmaster of the Senior School, Mr Philip Britton, who is Group President also attended the event. Harry’s achievement is made all the more special as this is the 19th Bolton's Centenary year and, earlier in the year, the group marked their 100th birthday with a Family Fun Day and an evening celebration.

During the assembly, conducted by 'Akela' Mrs Hough, who teaches at the Junior School, the troop sang the campfire song "Baby Bumblebee" and Monty Lord reflected on what it means to be a Cub Scout and on the enjoyment he has had during his time with the group. He also gave out some useful advice to anyone thinking of joining the group – be good and follow the rules, don’t get put in the Sixer’s Book, listen to the leaders so that you learn new skills, enjoy camp and don’t worry about making new friends. Several cups were awarded to Cubs who had performed outstandingly over the year, including awards to the Keenest Cub on a Wednesday which was shared by Callum Cavanaugh and Emily Reilly and the Keenest Cub on a Thursday which went to Aran Pomian. Charlotte Harris won the Craft Cup. Harry won the Badges Shield and the cup for Cub Scout Achievement and was commended for epitomising all that an eager Cub should be.

The 19th Bolton Group is a closed group, which only allows girls and boys from Bolton School to join; it continues to thrive with numbers so large that it has to meet on two evenings each week. The 19th Bolton School Scout HQ also plays host to a Scout Group and an Explorer Unit, the latter of which is open to young people from both School and outside.

RT @Chem_BoltonSch: ‘Examining’ took me a little further afield this weekend. Visited schools in Dubai & Abu Dhabi as well as having time to take in a few sights including 148th floor of Burj Khalifa! https://t.co/P1YtB4lQWx